Beaver Dam Police, Fire Train For Project Lifesaver

(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Police Department has begun training for a new program that locates missing persons. The department has been fundraising for over a year to bring Project Lifesaver to the city. Project LifeSaver works with local search and rescue units to monitor individuals with a tendency to wander, perhaps due to cognitive conditions such as autism, dementia, Alzheimer’s and Down syndrome. A wristwatch-sized device with a small FM radio transmitter is attached to a wrist or ankle. The transmitter emits a radio signal which is trackable using a receiver operated by first responders. A typical search and rescue operations takes, on average, nine hours and the resources of multiple agencies. With Project Lifesaver, it takes about a half hour. The nationwide program has had a 100-percent success rate. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office has had the program for a few years, now there are enough police and fire personnel in Beaver Dam to cover every shift 24-7. The program is expected to be up and running early next year, those interested should contact Beaver Dam Police.